ICB October Newsletter 2022

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Largest cohort of Year 12 students to
graduate from ICB in its history
Seventy Year 12 students will be farewelled at a
special graduation ceremony to be held at the
Islamic College of Brisbane (ICB) on Friday,
November 18.
ICB CEO Ali Kadri said it was the largest cohort
of Year 12 students to graduate since the college
opened in 1995.
“To say we are proud of our Year 12
students is an understatement. Their
determination, resilience and spirit
have been an inspiration to our
entire ICB community”.
Mr Kadri said the formal event – in the college’s
hall between 5pm and 8.30pm - would see
students wearing graduation gowns and
presented with academic awards ahead of a
late dinner.
October 2022 Newsletter
Our Vision: Best School; Best Learning Journey
IN THIS EDITION
“This will be a special night for not only our
students, but their families who have been
alongside them for their ICB journey,” Mr Kadri
said.
“We’re asking students to invite three people
along with them so all up, with teachers and
staff, we’re expecting between 200 and 300
people to attend.
STUDENTS GRADUATE HIFZ PROGRAM
T20 WORLD CUP CRICKET FEVER HITS ICB
STUDENT OF THE MONTH AWARDS
SCHOOL'S YOUTH SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR
UPCOMING EVENTS
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PAGE 02 I October Newsletter
ICB students “honoured” to graduate from
Hifz Program
Selim Guler, 17, and Simra Deen, 13, are among
the latest graduate from ICB’s Hifz Program,
which is designed for students who want to
memorize the Qur'an at a faster speed.
Selim, who is in Year 11C and started the
program in 2019, said he had a “longing to
learn the Qur’an”.
“If I haven’t read it for one or two days, I
really feel like something is missing in my
life because it is so important to me,” he
said.
“It is a real honour to graduate from this
program, which I believe benefits not only our
college, but the wider community”.
Sentiments shared by Simra, who is in Year 7E
and spent three years in the college’s program.
“I decided to take the classes because my
uncle and a few of my friends were able to
memorise the Qur’an,” she said.
The Qur’an has 604 pages and contains 30 juz
of varying lengths. Under the Hifz program, ICB
ensures learning is maintained through:
• Weekday classes before school.
• Additional weekday classes after school, and
•Additional classes on Saturday and during
school holidays.
Memorising the Qur’an is a means of great
blessings and goodness,” Simra said. “The
benefits of hifz are obvious in everything I
do and being able to quote ayahs without
having to look them up, is especially
gratifying”.
Our Mission Statement:
We believe every student has an inherent potential to achieve great results.

PAGE 03 I October Newsletter
T20 World Cup Cricket Fever hits ICB
It’s finally here – the T20 World Cup tournament
originally scheduled to be held in Australia in
late 2020 but postponed by the global
COVID-19 pandemic.
This year's tournament includes 45 matches, 16
teams, seven grounds and four different time
zones across 28 days.
After such a long wait, interest in the event has
hit fever-pitch at ICB where we’re showing two
games live on the big screen in our multipurpose
hall.
Cricket fans came along for our live screening
of the blockbuster clash between India and
Pakistan from the MCG on Sunday, October
23. India sit atop the world rankings, and it’s
never wise to write off Pakistan, who are
always an unpredictable team.
ICB will also be screening the tournament’s
final, live from the MCG on the evening of
November 13.
Australia are the defending champions, but sit
just sixth on the ICC's official team rankings.
A home World Cup makes the Aussies heavy
favourites, but unlike the 50-over version which
has been won by the host nation at the past
three events, no host nation has ever won the
T20 World Cup.
Given the fickle nature of the 20-over game,
where a team's fortunes can change in the
space of a single over, it's impossible to say
with any certainty who will be lifting the trophy.
To watch the final on the big
screen on November 13 in the
comfort of our multi-purpose
hall, fans can enjoy the
experience by paying $25, with
refreshments also available.
Proceeds will be donated to a
local charity.

PAGE 04 I October Newsletter
October Student of the Month Awards
Mahmood Sultan, Year 6B
“I’m really proud of myself because I’ve never
received this type of award before”.
Mahmood Sultan mightn’t be in the habit of
winning awards, but it is certainly the norm for
the 11- year-old to step-up and volunteer his
services when it’s needed by his friends, the
college and community.
For instance, it’s not unusual for Mahmood to
fill-in when needed to read the Qur'an during
the Primary school’s morning prayers.
“I have a passion for reading the Holy
Qur'an, and when people listen to it, it
brings peace to their heart,” he said. “I’m
proud to speak to the entire Primary
school”.
Head of Primary Iram Khan said the award
recognised Mahmood’s ability to “act with
kindness”.
“He is open and willing to share with others
without any expectation of receiving
something back in return,” she said.
“Be it helping the Imam by reading the Qur’an
when someone doesn’t turn up, or volunteering
to help out during school, at weekend
fundraisers or community projects – Mahmood
takes the initiative and assumes responsibility
without being asked – and that is remarkable.”
Harris Hasanovic, Year 9C
It’s what quietly-spoken Harris Hasanovic does
that speaks loudest to those around him –
especially his PE teacher, Nazeem Smith.
According to Mr Smith, 15-year-old Harris has
performed “equally well” in his academic,
social and sport activities at ICB.
“He doesn’t enjoy being in the limelight,
instead preferring to work hard and continue
his studies at University once he’s finished at
ICB, where his favourite subjects are Maths
and Science,” Mr Smith said.
“Harris always attends his classes – and has
never received an after-school detention, been
late to class or misbehaved. He is a real role
model, and that is why I see him as a future
Prefect at ICB”.
Mr Smith said it was a little-known fact that
Harris was learning Jiu-Jitsu and wanted to one
day pursue a career in martial arts and
wrestling.
“He dreams of representing Australia, and
when he is a champion, would also like to
spread and teach the words of Islam,” he
said.

PAGE 05 I October Newsletter
ICB’s new Youth Support Co-ordinator is
assisting students in their education
and wellbeing
ICB’s Youth Support Co-ordinator, Waseem
Hassoneh, who started in the newly created
position on October 4, has hit the ground
running by building strong – and honest -
relationships with students.
Waseem’s taking the time to listen to their
needs or concerns to help them feel heard and
understood.
In addition to classroom support, he’s already
running special programs, like Breakfast Club,
and has plans for “bootcamps” designed to
“expand on their potential”.
“It’s about supporting young people in their
education and wellbeing – finding that right
balance between the two,” the 45-year-old
said.
“Basically, my door is always open. And the
priority is creating a secure base for these
kids, a connection if you like, so I can work
alongside them and play a role in their
personal development”.
Waseem, who was born and bred in Brisbane,
attributes positive relationships as the key to
helping students’ success in the classroom –
and more broadly, their lives.
“Once a relationship has been formed you can
encourage them to engage in activities at
school, whether that be through their classes,
youth programs, or extracurricular activities,”
he said.
Waseem, who works with two ICB counsellors,
said he was part of a “professional team” who
not only liaise with students and staff, but
Imams, social workers, special needs teachers,
welfare agencies and government
departments.
He said his aim was to completely reverse his
current situation where about 40 per cent of
his dealings with students were “pro-active”,
with the remainder being interventions.
“Within a year, I want to have strategies in
place so the ratio will be 50:50, and by 2024,
the percentage of pro-active interactions will
have increased to 60 per cent.
“It’s extremely rewarding to be able to
invest in and support a young person and
encourage them to have the belief that if
they make the right choices, and put in the
hard work, they can be better versions of
themselves”.
Apart from his job at ICB, Waseem is involved
in other Islamic Faith-Based Youth Work and
was the founder of Muslim Youth Mentorship -
Muslims of Vision & Excellence (MoVE), where
he continues to run pro-active and
preventative initiatives. He is also responsible
for Muslim Chaplaincy services and pastoral
care, providing support for prison inmates and
their families.

PAGE 06 I October Newsletter
Some important dates to remember:
(P) Primary (S) Secondary
November - December
1 November Year 4 Science Incursion (P)
2 November Prep Readiness and Enrolment and CEO Awards (P)
7 - 11 November Year 7-11 Block exam (S)
9 November Remembrance Day
10 November Gold Level BBQ (P)
11 November Year 1 to Year 5 Transition Day (P)
14 November Year 5 Incursion (P)
15 November Year 4 Excursion Movie World (P)
17 November Year 11 RACQ Money Whisper (S)
18 November Year 12 Graduation Ceremony (S)
22 November Prep Orientation Day (P)
23 November Year 1 Award Ceremony (P); Year 11 Kokoda Challenge (S)
24 November Year 2 Award Ceremony (P); Year 6 Transition to High School (P)
25 November Year 3 Award Ceremony (P); Year 10 & Year 11 final day assembly 2:10pm-3:10pm (S)
28 November Year 4 Award Ceremony (P)
29 November Year 5 Award Ceremony (P)
30 November Year 6 Graduation Ceremony – Last Day Year 6 (P)
1 December Year 1 to Year 5 Last Day (P)
2 December Student Free Day
A reminder we want you to share your story ideas and perhaps send in
some short articles (150 word maximum) telling us about your experiences
at ICB, or some fun facts about the college.
Please email us on ideas@icb.qld.edu.au BEFORE the last week of each
month!

PAGE 07 I October Newsletter
Islamic College of Brisbane
45 Acacia Road, Karawatha QLD 4117
T + 61 (7) 3841 3645
Islamic College of Brisbane
@islamiccollegeofbrisbane
Islamic College of Brisbane
ICB Official 3
icb.qld.edu.au